Jets head coach Rex Ryan, in response to a question this week about the Jets' game plan for Tim Tebow, hinted at the possibility of using the backup quarterback as a running back against the New England Patriots, a suggestion that has been made by many fans and media members for weeks.

Given the plethora of injuries at the running back position - and the team's workout with former quarterback Kevin O'Connell - Ryan's comments spawned endless speculation about how the team might finally implement Tebow into the backfield or even make a more permanent move at the position.

Instead, Tim Tebow played in four offensive snaps in Sunday's 29-26 overtime loss to the Patriots, gaining just 12 total yards, and once again, the backup quarterback's contributions were a complete non-factor.

Tony Sparano did use Tebow as a running back in three of his four carries near the goal line, where Tebow had a really good run early, putting the Jets within inches of their first touchdown. But Sparano did not keep Tebow in the game to punch it in, electing to use running back Shonn Greene instead.

In more curious play calling from Sparano, on a third-and-two, the Jets opted to throw a quick slant to Chaz Schilens rather than play it safe and run the ball with Tebow or Greene. After an incompletion, the Jets were forced to kick a field goal, and given the three point loss, it is one of many decisions that will be looked upon as costly.

Tebow did not return to the field until the final two minutes of the game, where he ran the ball on a first down. After a minimal gain, he was again delegated to the sideline where he remained for the rest of the game.

While Rex Ryan and Tony Sparano likely enjoy the time opponents spend preparing for their mysterious and over-hyped Tebow packages, week after week it becomes more and more evident that the Jets have no intention of using their specialty offense, even in situations where it seems to make sense.

More talk about the Jets use of Tebow will continue as long as he remains on the roster (which, according to the Jets front office, will be for the duration of his contract), but for now, any further speculation just seems futile.